10 stories
The Islamic Center Janitor | عامل نظافة المركز الإسلامي
She's the board president's wife. He's the janitor who cleans the mosque after hours. Their paths cross in the prayer hall—and continue somewhere more private.
The Airport Layover
Eight hours stuck at O'Hare. When Patricia strikes up a conversation with the handsome stranger at the bar, the layover becomes something much more memorable.
The Gospel Singer's Encore
Sister Marlene hasn't sung solo in twenty years. When a record producer rediscovers her old recordings, she discovers some voices never truly retire.
The Museum Docent's Discovery
Marguerite gives tours at the DuSable Museum. When a retired art professor keeps showing up to hear her lectures, she discovers some exhibits are worth exploring twice.
The Nakba Day Reunion
At a Nakba Day commemoration in Chicago, Amira reconnects with her childhood friend Jamal—now a man whose passion for justice matches his passion for her.
The Social Worker's Surrender
Angela saves everyone but herself. When a single father she's been helping turns the tables, she learns that sometimes the helper needs to be held.
The Soul Food Spot
Mama Lou's Kitchen has the best fried chicken in Chicago. But when the new health inspector turns out to be her ex-husband's handsome son, the kitchen gets hotter than her cast iron skillet.
The Tax Preparer's Return
Beatrice has done taxes for her community for thirty years. When a handsome widower brings in a mess of receipts and a bigger mess of emotions, she helps him find more than deductions.
The Wedding Planner's Own Day
Perfect Moments has planned over a thousand weddings. When a groom's father keeps asking for her input, she discovers her own perfect moment has been waiting.
Chicago Refugee Counselor
She counsels Somali refugees in Uptown Chicago—a thick ebony widow who knows trauma intimately. When he volunteers at her center, she opens up. Some healing requires being vulnerable together.